Life After Lockdown - Normal? Never!

After the lockdown, you eagerly step into a world in which many people and businesses go back to normal. You see thousands of people returning to the streets, public transports, shops, offices, work places, and consequently social-distancing measures are compromised.

Suddenly, you hear your phone beeping and Arogya Setu flashing a message on the screen:

"We have determined that in the past few days, you may have interacted with somebody who has recently tested positive for Covid-19. There is no need to panic. But for the sake of your family, friends, and neighbors, you are mandated self-isolation of 14 days. Health officials shall contact you shortly and provide further instructions."

And you suddenly realise that the world is no more normal. The nightmare is back. But you thank yourself for installing Arogya Setu app and activating Bluetooth and Location sharing on your mobile.

What has happened? Removing lockdown doesn't bring back normalcy. It never will. In fact, it puts a huge number of people at increased risk. Those who are vulnerable - children, seniors, people suffering from diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, liver problems, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease and undergoing dialysis, those convalescing from cancer and other immunity related problems, people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions - in fact, a major section of the society!

In public places, these vulnerable people can easily come in contact with others who are carrying Covid-19 virus in their bodies. Such carriers who are infected with Covid-19 will not know it themselves, as there is an incubation period of 2 to 14 days during which they will not exhibit any symptoms of the serious disease.

So don't dream of getting back to normal; practice social distancing as much as possible, wear face masks when you go out, and don't go out unless it is absolutely necessary.